Patients' experiences with injectable weight management medications: An international evaluation of access barriers, effectiveness, adherence challenges, safety concerns, and the role of digital health.

Summary

Motivation

Patients' experiences with injectable weight management medications reveal a complex interplay of access, effectiveness, adherence, and safety concerns. Injectable weight-loss drugs, such as semaglutide and liraglutide, have shown promise in clinical trials for reducing body weight and managing obesity-related comorbidities like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, real-world adherence to these medications is suboptimal, with significant discontinuation rates observed within the first year of therapy. Patients often face barriers such as needle phobia, lack of accessible information, and concerns about side effects, which primarily include gastrointestinal symptoms. These adverse effects, while often mild to moderate, can be severe enough to deter continued use, leading to weight regain once treatment is stopped. In many countries, the cost of these medications is usually not covered by insurance, further complicating long-term adherence. Despite these challenges, injectable therapies are generally acceptable to patients, provided they receive adequate education and support from healthcare professionals. The effectiveness of these drugs is enhanced when combined with lifestyle modifications, paving the way for needed interactive patient support tools to ensure engagement in the long term. Overall, while injectable weight management medications offer a valuable tool for managing obesity, their success in real-world settings hinges on addressing the multifaceted barriers to adherence and ensuring comprehensive patient support.

Underlying Aim

This project aims to comprehensively investigate patients' experiences with injectable weight loss medications across different healthcare systems, focusing on access barriers, effectiveness perceptions, adherence challenges, and safety concerns.

Specific Objectives/Methodology

Overall study design

This study adopts a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative data collection. The evaluation tools used in this research are grounded in established theoretical frameworks, specifically the Health Belief Model and the MACO framework. Our international collaborators include several countries experiencing high obesity rates in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Below is an outline of the methodology phases along with their specific objectives:

Phase 1: Systematic Review

To conduct a comprehensive systematic review of existing literature on patient experiences with injectable weight loss medications, focusing on access, effectiveness, adherence and safety.

Phase 2: Quantitative phase- large-scale survey study

To assess and compare access patterns to weight management services, pathways for medication acquisition, clinical effectiveness, cost implications, side effect profiles, adherence behaviours, and impacts on quality of life.

Phase 3: Qualitative phase- Semi-structured in-depth interviews

To explore access, effectiveness, adherence, safety determinants and long-term support needs with a representative group of patients across the included countries.

Phase 4: Developing a patient support DH tool- Focus groups with relevant stakeholders.

To co-design and test an interactive patient support digital health tool for weight management, leveraging the findings from the mixed methods research.

Impact

This project provides insights into current trends in obesity management solutions from patients' perspectives in real-world settings. The findings could influence the development of evidence-based guidelines for patient support, identify critical intervention points for optimising adherence, and enhance risk assessment for adverse events. Additionally, the research may offer valuable information for improving accessibility and recommendations for monitoring protocols. Most importantly, the project aims to deepen the understanding of patients' support needs, improve educational materials, and develop targeted interventions to enhance adherence.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility